Hi

PC based software or a regular board ? They are two different things, each with plus & minus points. Really depends on your application.

I believe that if you need to grow in this industry, it all depends on your country of residence and the choices going. In India, if you want to get to the top in the lighting industry, you got to know the Avolite way of doing things. 70 % of all shows run in India uses some Avo board or the other. Event companies insist that you do the gig with a Avo board. A Pilot2000 would cost you close to Rs 100,000/- . I would say it would be wiser to go for a Avo Azure. A lower end model would come for around 1,30,000/- or so if you haggle. That's a much better way to start and then graduate to a Pearl ( the workhorse in India !!) and maybe to a Diamond later. At least , you would get contracts and can do well in the industry.
If you are in the DJ scene, SUnlite is a good choice but again the AVo Azure scores, because Avo built it specifically for DJ work AND ALSO serious theatre if required.I use two AVO Pearls, cluding a CHinese 'STONE' Pearl clone.

BTW, U can get a Chinese "PEARL" for around 1,60,000/-. Works perfectly !

Think about it !

rgds

Ujjal